C.J. Spiller Shockingly Named Starting Running Back Over Two Veterans

Buffalo Bills Head Coach Chan Gailey has done what so many NFL experts have been expecting him to do and that is to name running back C.J. Spiller as his starter for the 2010 season opener against the Miami Dolphins.

In the 2010 NFL draft nobody actually thought that the Bills would pick Spiller with the No. 9 overall pick in the draft since they already had two solid running backs on their roster with Marshawn Lynch and Fred Jackson.

But Gailey wanted his running back of the future and it was obvious that the Bills' offense needed a big-time playmaker and the explosive Spiller is just that.

After struggling a bit in his first preseason game, Spiller lit up defenses in every game thereafter.

Questions still are abound with the Bills' depth chart at running back and Lynch's name keeps coming up in trade rumors, but none of those rumors have materialized.

If the Bills do plan to play through the 2010 season with all three running backs, then look for them to run and run often to help keep the pressure off of starting quarterback Trent Edwards' shoulders.

Still, you have to pass the ball to compete in the NFL, which is a pass-driven league.

No worries there because Spiller's versatility will allow him to be included in much of the passing attack too.

When he was at Clemson, Spiller still averaged over 30 receptions for 355 yards and over two touchdowns each year in college.

Remember that three of his four years at Clemson, Spiller didn't even start and was the backup to James Davis.

This shows that when Spiller is on the field, he is dangerous and can be used in a multitude of ways. Add in the other two running backs and that is a very interesting combo of runners up in Buffalo this season.

Bills fans haven't been treated to a talent like Spiller since the days of Thurman Thomas and Spiller should make many Bills fans scream with job as he jukes and runs circles around the opposition in 2010 and beyond.